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Davis Bay at sunset on Decatur Island. (Megan Burbank / The Seattle Times)
Go off-grid with remote escapes, from the San Juan Islands to the Northwest backcountry.
Need a vacation? Choose your own adventure from these 35 weekend getaways
Sick of routine and want a new adventure? Need a mind-calming spa day away from the office? Everyone needs a quick getaway to refresh and rejuvenate at some time. And most of us have one thing in common: vacation time and the resources to spend on it are limited commodities. So we’ve created a choose-your-own-adventure collection of tried-and-tested weekend getaways to a variety of locales. Just tell us what you’re hoping to get away from, then select from our menu of options and get going! Ready?
What are you getting away from?
Click on a reason below
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Get away from your job
Do-nothing retreats
This treehouse cabin on Lopez Island offers solitude, whimsy and relaxation. (Sean O'Connell)
Slow down, sit down, binge on Netflix and give yourself permission to do nothing. Or, book a unique Airbnb close by for a change of scenery with minimal travel.
Travel-while-working
Long lines like those anticipated at airports during summer can be especially frustrating, but business travelers can beat the chaos by planning ahead. (Elaine Thompson / The Associated Press)
Sorry, frequent flyer. But if you travel a lot for work, here are some suggestions to make your life easier.
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Get away from city life
Island retreats
Two young passengers peer out the window of a ferry as it heads to Bainbridge Island. (Elisa Murray / Special to The Seattle Times)
There are the San Juans, and then there's good ol' Bainbridge. Close to Seattle and easily accessible, but far enough that it feels like a getaway.
Eco-retreats
You can take your good environmental intentions with you on vacation. (Jennifer Luxton / The Seattle Times)
We're not always kind to the planet when we travel. Consider these eco-friendly destinations to limit your enviromental impact.
Camping
A hiker stands on one of the trails in the Lake Wenatchee area. (Jeff Layton / Special to The Seattle Times)
Pitch a tent, break out the instant cocoa and swap prestige TV for a sky full of stars — for busy professionals and adventurous families, camping trips are the ultimate escape.
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Get away from your routine
Creative retreats
A view from the Sou’wester Lodge in Seaview, Pacific County, which offers a creative-residency discount for visitors seeking space to work on music, writer, or visual-art projects. (Ellen M. Banner / The Seattle Times)
Aspiring writer or wannabe chef? A vacation isn't just a way to flee your routine — it can be a chance to devote quality time and energy to something you love and get in touch with your creative side.
A&E-centered trips
See plays under the sky at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s Elizabethan Theatre in Ashland, Oregon. (T. Charles Erickson)
If you love theater, movies or catching your favorite touring acts at home, you'll love them even more on vacation.
Off-the-beaten path
The Great Northern Hotel from "Twin Peaks" is actually the Salish Lodge & Spa, which overlooks Snoqualmie Falls. (David Israel / Twin Peaks Tour)
David Lynch fan? Extra-interested in extra-terrestrials? There's no need to leave your esoteric interests at home when you travel. Go off-the-beaten path with a trip tailored to your interests — the weirder the better.
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Get away from the weather
It's too hot and smoky
Alaska cruises frequently take visitors on picturesque excursions through Glacier Bay. (Reinhard Pantke / State of Alaska)
Fleeing wildfire smoke and the heat of summer in a city where few residences have AC? Try heading north to the remote waters of Alaska.
It's cold, rainy and dark
A view of the Columbia River from the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail in Wenatchee. (Crystal Paul / The Seattle Times)
Not sunny or warm enough for you yet in Seattle? Either stay in Washington and head east, or go south to California.
Light pollution is a thing
Rock formations beckon climbers at Second Beach, near the northern edge of Quillayute Needles National Wildlife Refuge. (Brian J. Cantwell / The Seattle Times)
Sometimes, all you want is to step outside, flop onto a blanket and stargaze. Can't do that with ambient city lights everywhere. Try this camping trip to La Push.
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Get away from stress/burnout
Leisure retreats
The view from Viansa Sonoma Winery of Sonoma Valley, San Pablo Bay and the Mayacamas Mountains. (Caitlin Flynn / Special to The Seattle Times)
Stress can literally make you sick. Sometimes you need to leave reality behind, indulge, relax and reset. So pick a close-ish destination you’ve always wanted to visit and give yourself a weekend to recuperate.
Affinity retreats
Volunteers help out at Earth Gay, an environmental day of service that OUT There Adventures helped facilitate with the Friends of Colman Park. (Crystal Paul / The Seattle Times)
Sometimes you just need to be around the people who "get it." Affinity group travel is a great way to step away from social circumstances where your experience is uncommon and connect with people who might share common ground.
Treat yo' self/indulge
Feeling stressed? Pamper yourself without breaking the bank at one of the best Seattle-area day spas. (Gabriel Campanario / The Seattle Times)
Been burning the midnight oil so often lately that your flame's flickering out? Refuel by giving yourself a free pass to pamper yourself and treat yourself to all your favorite indulgences.
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Get away from constant travel
Staycation
El Gaucho Seattle has everything you need for a stress-free staycation. (Crystal Paul / The Seattle Times)
Tired of traveling for work, but still want to get away from all the chores and responsibilities waiting for you at home? Try a staycation in your hometown for the right dose of away without all the planning and airport-security lines.
All-inclusive travel
Cruising might not be for everyone, but it’s an economic, efficient and popular of mode of travel. (Cameron Hewitt / Rick Steves’ Europe)
If you love to travel but hate to plan it, take the planning out of the equation and sign up for an all-inclusive cruise vacation. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons to cruising.
See new parts of your city
A tour group heads past the Chinese Gate on King Street in Seattle's Chinatown-International District. (Alan Berner / The Seattle Times)
If you don't have the time or the resources to get out of town, go explore a new neighborhood in Seattle. The city is full of fascinating things to do if you know where to look.
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Get away from your family
Solo travel
A flight of beers at Deschutes Brewery in Portland. (Taylor Blatchford / The Seattle Times)
Whether it's friends, family, or social media, socializing all the time can be stressful. Sometimes you just need to get away from everyone and take some time for yourself and rediscover your passions.
Besties trip
Four friends hold goats at a farm in the hills above San Simeon, California. (Courtesy of Sean Quinton)
Nothing eases the stresses of the family you were born into quite like getting together with the family you chose. A trip with your besties is a great way to detox from family frustrations and strengthen bonds with your ride-or-dies.
Make new friends
Camp Rahh is a four-night summer camp for adults that provides a stress-free and unplugged experience. (Brian Oh)
Family's great, but sometimes you need to inject some new life into your relationships. A new activity can help you meet new people and form lasting friendships. One suggestion? Adult summer camp.
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Get away from technology
Technology retreats
Sometimes, you just need to get away from technology. Try a digital detox. (Gabriel Campanario / The Seattle Times)
Sick of nonstop email notifications and the prevalence of social media? Sign up for a technology retreat or unplug for a weekend.
Channel a slower era
The Coast Starlight lounge car features floor-to-ceiling windows and lounge chairs to enjoy the views. (Crystal Paul / The Seattle Times)
Things moved more slowly back in the day. One way to slow down the pace of life? Take a loooong, scenic train ride.
Reconnect with friends
Scott Greenstone, right, and his friend Marc keep in touch by phone regularly. They recently caught up in person; here they are in Williamsburg, New York. (Courtesy of Scott Greenstone)
Sometimes, texting or calling just isn't the same as a good old-fashioned in-person reunion.
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Get out of your comfort zone
Skill-learning travel
Participants at Ladies Rock Camp huddle during their band's first practice session. (Alan Berner / The Seattle Times)
One way to get out of a rut? Learn a new skill. Perhaps you've always wanted to be a rock star? You can do that here.
Adventure travel
This winter learn to ride a luge in the Methow Valley. (Jeff Layton / Special to The Seattle Times)
An adventure can mean an ambitious solo hike, or it can simply mean a weekend getaway to pick up a new winter sport.
Insert some spontaneity
The Cascade Loop showcases the geographic diversity of Washington in all its beauty. (Stefanie Loh / The Seattle Times)
If you're the sort who typically over-plans travel, switch it up and allow yourself room to just be spontaneous.
Published August 16, 2019